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Nami didn’t have many experiences with doctors. Back when she was an innocent daughter of Bell-mère, a doctor’s visit was too expensive barring the most serious of diseases. And Arlong neither knew nor cared about any differences between humans and fishmen, meaning any healthcare was just as likely to make her worse as it was to heal her. Still, as the tiny reindeer-human stood on a stool to reach her forehead and checked her temperature, Nami was fairly certain this experience could only be found on the Going Merry.
“…97.8” Chopper said, trying and failing to keep a smile out of his face. He took out his special stethoscope (designed to fit his unique head and ears) and placed it against Nami’s chest. The coldness of the metal was a surprise against her bare skin, but Nami knew she could trust Chopper. “100 bpm. I think it’s safe to say that the Kestia infection has completely left your body!”
Nami smiled back. “Thank you, Chopper.”
Chopper beamed at the praise. “Oh, it’s no big deal! Hee hee!” The tiny doctor started putting his medical supplies away as he continued. “Remember, let me know if you experience anything unusual. Treatment is easier the earlier we catch the disease.”
Nami nodded. It certainly was something to get used to. After a life of needing to be self-sufficient, letting others in and asking for help was still a challenge for her. “Of course, Chopper. You’ll be the first to…”
The door suddenly opened and the beautiful Princess of Alabasta started to walk in. “Oh!” Vivi put her hand to her mouth in surprise and froze, halfway through the door. Nami started blushing as she realized she had her shirt off. “I-I am so sorry Nami! I didn’t know you were in the middle of a check-up. I-I’ll just g-go now and…”
“Wait!” Nami said before she could stop herself. They stared at each other until Nami’s brain finally could form other words again. “It’s…it’s fine, Vivi. After all, we…we’re both girls and you’ve seen me in my bikini. What…what did you need?”
“O-oh, I just wanted to let you know that Sanji finished cooking dinner and wanted to get you before Luffy and Mr. Bushido ate everything.”
Nami snorted. “Don’t worry. I’m sure Sanji saved our portion in a place where those two won’t be able to reach. Still, let him know that Chopper and I will be there shortly.”
Vivi nodded but hesitated at the door. “Nami. I’m glad you’re looking back to your beautiful self.” There was another pause as everyone processed what was just said. “I-I mean back to your healthy self! Not to say that you aren’t beautiful! I meant…I’ll see you at dinner!” Vivi ran out of the room, slamming the door behind her as she fled.
Nami could feel her checks heating up. She shook herself twice to calm herself down before turning towards Chopper. “So, I guess that wraps up everything? Let’s go get supper…” Nami trailed off as Chopper looked at Nami seriously. Before she could say anything, the little reindeer put his hoof on her forehead again.
“…99.5” he said solemnly. Chopper gently laid a head on the navigator’s shoulder. “Nami, I am afraid your symptoms are already growing.”
“What?” Nami asked, confused. “I thought the Kestia had left my system?”
“This isn’t the Kestia and has probably been happening before you were infected by the tick. If left untreated, this sickness can prove fatal.” Nami stared in horror as her doctor looked at Nami with upmost seriousness. “Nami, my diagnostic of your condition is that you have been infected with Love Sickness.”
“…what.” Nami felt irritated and waited for Chopper to start laughing at the joke, but the blue-nosed reindeer was completely serious. “Chopper, love isn’t…do you even know what love is?”
“Dr. Kureha was very thorough in my training, believing it important that I learn about every type of disease.”
“But love isn’t a disease it’s an emotion and…and I’m not…this is stupid!” Nami started to put on her shirt.
“Denying it will only make things worse. Dr. Kureha said that while most instances of love don’t progress into Love Sickness, those that have it need to pursue it otherwise they would slowly weaken and die. Multiple people, including Empresses had been felled by this disease.”
“Are you sure Dr. Kureha wasn’t just pulling your leg?” Nami shook her head. “Anyways, let’s go get dinner.”
Chopper looked worried at Nami before nodding. “Ok, but let me know if your condition worsens.”
Nami softened. “Ok, Chopper. You’ll be the first to know, but I’m pretty sure this is nothing.”
Chopper smiled and the two left to go to the kitchen. However, Nami felt distracted throughout dinner and the usual antics. She kept staring at Vivi and her beautiful face. She felt her chest ache and her head feel light and thought to herself:
Shit.
*********
“Vivi? Vivi!” Nefetari Vivi blinked as she realized Luffy was waving his hand in front of her face.
“Oh! Sorry Luffy! I wasn't paying attention. What were you saying?”
Luffy frowned. “Are you ok? You know, if you’re feeling sick, you should see our ship’s doctor.”
Vivi shook her head. “I was just distracted. It’s no-WAIT!“ Vivi suddenly shouted as Luffy turned around, trying to see what she had been staring at on the opposite upper deck.
“Hmmm, only thing in that direction is Nami.” Luffy turned around to face the princess, confused. “Why were you staring at her?”
Vivi’s cheeks reddened. “O-oh! Well…I was…”
“Oh! I get it!” Luffy grinned.
The princess felt her face go pale. “No, you do not!”
Luffy’s grin went even wider. “Yes, I do! You’re staring at her because she’s such a good navigator!”
“…yes! Yes, that is exactly it!” Vivi exhaled the breath she didn’t realize she was holding. “I was just just…admiring her navigation skills!”
“Yeah, she’s pretty amazing. We would never have gotten as far as we did without her.”
“Yeah…” Vivi sighed. “And I said such cruel things to her while we were in Laboon…”
“You were stressed from being in a whale, Vivi.” The two turned to see Usopp approach them. “Plus, you saved my life back there, so I think she forgives you.” Usopp seemed to be holding a plate for something. “Luffy was supposed to let you know that Sanji made some macarons that Luffy already ate his portion of” Usopp quickly moved the plate out of Luffy’s reaching hand. “Sanji sent me to give you your portion.”
“You have got to try them, Vivi! They are so good! Anyways, I’m gonna go back to the kitchen. Maybe Sanji will let me have a second helping!” With a smile and a wave, Luffy walked back to the dining area, leaving Usopp and Vivi alone.
“…so, ‘admiring her navigation skills?’” Usopp asked.
Vivi felt her cheeks color. “…I mean it worked on Luffy…”
Usopp snorted. “Yeah, well, Luffy’s a great captain and an incredible fighter, but I think romance and Luffy aren’t on speaking terms.” The two had a chuckle over that. “Still, the two of you did have some chemistry even back when you were Miss Wednesday.”
Vivi looked confused at Usopp. “Our first meeting was me trying to kill her!”
“As someone who has won a thousand battles, I don’t think I’ve seen more charged tension than watching the two of you fight, and we only caught the tail end of it. Plus,” Usopp smirked, “you also gave Nami a flirtatious wink before you left the Going Merry.”
Vivi blushed. “…to be honest, I’m still not sure what I was thinking when I did that. I just wanted to leave an impression on Nami before I left.”
“Well, you certainly succeeded. Now, I don’t like to brag…much,” Usopp quickly corrected as Vivi gave him a look, “but I am the only member of the Straw Hats to have a long-distance relationship. So, if you need any advice, Usopp is here.”
“Oh, is that why Misty and Love’s scheme nearly worked?” Vivi asked in the most innocent face she could muster.
“…Sanji’s a bad influence. Plus, he was the one to fall for such an obvious trap. I was merely…chaperoning my friend and attempting to keep him out of trouble.”
Vivi laughed at that, then look pensively. “Thank you, Usopp. But I’m not sure if Nami sees me that way. And I don’t want to ruin my current relationship with her.” Before Usopp could say anything, Vivi walked back down into the lower decks, leaving the sniper alone.
Usopp frowned. “…Was I that blind?”
“Blind with what?” Usopp nearly jumped ten feet in the air as Luffy reappeared, another plate of macarons in tow.
“…don’t worry about it, Luffy.” Usopp muttered as he swiped a cookie from Luffy’s plate, putting it in his mouth before Luffy could snatch it back.
*********
“If you’re feeling unwell, you should talk to our doctor.” Nami jumped in surprised and scowled at the green-haired swordsman’s remark.
“I’m perfectly fine.” Nami said. “If you must know, Chopper has confirmed the Kestia infection has completely left my body.”
Zoro shrugged and went back to lifting weights. Nami shakes her head and tries to go back to her charts. Tries being the keyword as her mind starts to drift until…“Not that I care, but at lunch Chopper kept sneaking glances at you with worry and you keep putting your hand on your chest as if you have difficulty breathing.” There was a pause. “Plus, your ink has gone dry.”
Nami slams the chartbook in frustration. “It’s fine! Chopper seems to have been listening to one too many tall tales and thinks I have what is clearly a made-up illness.”
“You were infected by a bug that has been extinct for millions of years. I think I’m going to trust the doctor that was able to identify that over you.”
The navigator tried to find a rebuttal to that but failed. “Ok, fine, he probably knows more. But, I don’t know. Who has ever heard of Love Sickness? Sounds like something in a fairy tale.”
Zoro started curling his biceps, punctuating each point with a curl. “We fought a clown that can detach itself at will, went up a mountain, got swallowed by a whale, got turned into wax statues by a cake, and are currently saving a kingdom with the help of a princess. I’d say falling in love with said princess is typical storybook material.”
“Who said anything about Vivi?” Nami snapped.
“…I thought it was obvious?” Zoro looked genuinely confused.
Before the two could continue, the kitchen door opened and Sanji came out. “Here, Mosshead.” Sanji gave Zoro an egg sandwich. “And for you Nami, this is a Roz Bil-Laban.” Sanji placed a clear bowl filled with a white gelatinous substance with cinnamon sticks and nuts on top.
Zoro raised an eyebrow. But shrugged and took a bite out of the sandwich. “At least mine has protein.”
“Yes Mosshead, I knew true talent would have been a waste on you.” Sanji scoffed before he turned to look at Nami expectantly.
Raising her own eyebrow, she took her spoon and took a bite out of the dish. “It’s…” Nami closed her eyes and took in the delicate, mildly sweet flavor, “really good!”
Sanji beamed at the praise. “It’s a type of rice pudding. It’s actually a traditional dessert in Alabasta…NAMI!” Sanji looked in alarm as Nami started coughing in surprise. Sanji quickly was at Nami’s side with a mug of water, which the navigator took gratefully.
“…sorry.” Nami muttered in between coughs. “Just…just got food down my lungs. It’s great Sanji.”
“Careful waiter.” Zorro said while sipping a beer he pulled from…somewhere. “You keep that up and you’ll ruin a storybook romance.”
“And what would you know about romances, Mosshead?” Nami tried to stop them but was still winded after all that coughing.
“Probably more than you.”
“Please, how many girls are actually interested in a man with three swords? Feels a bit compensating, no?”
“I said you wouldn’t have to worry about size.”
“Guys.”
“If Nami is interested in Vivi then it’s a gentleman’s duty to help it bloom.”
“Guys!”
“And what do you know about romance, Mr. ‘taste their finest’?”
“We definitely had a thing going there an-“
“GUYS!”
The two finally stopped their bickering and turned to look at an unimpressed Nami. “Did Chopper put you up to this?” She was met by two blank stares.
Sanji frowned. “Wait, what did Chopper say about you? I thought your Kestia infection was gone?”
Before Nami could say anything, Zoro said “Our navigator’s been infected by Love Sickness.”
Nami shot Zoro a dirty look before turning to Sanji. “Yeah, sounds like a made up…” before sighing as she noticed the sudden mien on Sanji’s face. “Not you too.”
Sanji shook her head. “I’m sorry, but it’s a real disease. Zeff talked about it. It’s incredibly rare, but it does exist.”
Nami threw her hands in the air. “Ok, fine! It’s a real disease. That doesn’t mean I have it! And why are we talking as if I have stated this is about Vivi?”
“Well, if Mosshead can figure it out…” Sanji pointedly ignored the glare Zoro gave him.
“Pretty sure the only person on this ship that hasn’t figured it out is Luffy, which doesn’t count.”
Nami sighed as she leaned her face back. “Even if you were right about both, what could I do? Even Kaya was ‘just’ rich. Viv’s a princess and I’m just a nobody.”
Sanji sat down beside the navigator. “Nami, the heart wants what the heart wants. Besides, Vivi’s definitely not a spoiled princess. You wouldn’t have fallen in love with her if she was.”
“This is…look, I’m going to lay down somewhere.” Nami got up and got her charts. “And not because I’m infected with love disease.” She left to the women’s quarters, leaving the two alone.
“Well, at least she stopped denying it’s Vivi.” Zoro said, going back to curling.
*********
Nami nearly collapsed into the nearest bunk, before remembering that one belonged to Vivi. Instead, she stumbled onto her own bunk before placing her hand on her forehead. Her forehead felt hot and checking a mirror nearby she could see her face was flushed. This is ridiculous! How did this even happen?
Nami thought to their first meeting, back when Vivi was Miss Wednesday. Even when she was fighting for her life, Nami felt a spark. And when she threatened her, all Nami could remember was how close her face was to hers. Being rescued almost felt annoying rather than freeing.
But it was back on the ship, fleeing from Whiskey Peak from those Officer Agents that cemented something deep within her. Seeing someone so young shoulder all of that burden and still come out so strong made her heart bloom. Despite being literal royalty, she gladly worked as a crewmate no matter how beneath it was for her. And despite the emotional turmoil she was going under, the princess always thought about the feelings of others over herself.
Ok, fine, I’m in love with a princess. But what difference does that make? She shouldered the burden of an entire country and still came out so bright. I could barely handle one village and nearly sold my own soul for it. Sure, she likes me as a friend, but if she knew about the real me? She’d be disgusted.
Nami knew it was wrong for her to close herself off but she couldn’t help it. It was hard enough opening herself to her friends. Exposing herself to love was a vulnerability she wasn’t sure she could ever do. Internalizing everything was as natural to her as it was toxic.
This is fine. We’re headed off to Alabasta and will rescue her kingdom and then we’ll sail away, never to see her…again…Nami felt her heart ache with pain as she started getting cold sweats at the thought. This is insane, I’ve face off assassins only to die because of a disease that makes me act like a lovestruck teenager?
Nami forced herself off her bed and put on a jacket, despite the warm weather. Maybe Chopper has something that can make this go away. If this is a disease, then surely there has to be some other method to cure this than…that.
*********
Usopp usually loved his eyesight. It made him useful at spotting things from a distance as well as working with tiny mechanical parts. Today, however, it made him all too aware of the awkward tension that was surrounding the Going Merry. Nami and Vivi were now actively avoiding one another yet they kept stealing glances at each other whenever they thought the other wasn’t looking. It was frankly starting to get unbearable.
Nami had it worse however, after every glance she would start getting heat flushes or lose her balance. He didn’t mean to overhear but apparently love could be a sickness. Usopp was glad he squared things away with Kaya before setting sail.
“This is getting to be quite awkward, isn’t it Usopp?” Usopp glanced as Sanji approached with some fancy dish, no doubt going to one of the two ladies on the ship.
“I’d say. Between Nami’s barriers and Vivi’s politeness, neither wants to make the first move. Even Luffy is starting to notice it, even if he’s still clueless.” Usopp glanced down at the dish. “Gonna try using food to get them to talk?”
“Actually,” placing the dish in front of Usopp, “this is for you.”
“No.”
“I-wha?”
“No, Sanji. This dish is clearly a bribe, and I told you I’m not following you again.”
“Oh, come on, I didn’t force you to come with me.”
“And I’ve learned my lesson.”
“Do you really think Nami or Vivi will stab us?”
Usopp looked straight at Sanji. “Yes.”
“Look, it’s clear that neither Nami nor Vivi will make the first move and until something happens, this ship is too small to deal with…this.” Sanji waved his hand around. “And out of everyone left, Luffy and Mosshead are not equipped to handle this situation, and Chopper has enough on his plate creating medicine, unlike you.”
“…I’m going to regret this so much.” Usopp took a bite out of the dish. “Alright, that’s delicious. Now, what’s the plan?”
In the end, the plan was pretty simple.
*********
“Vivi! Are you alright?” Nami rushed into the woman’s quarters, panic in her voice, before stopping confused.
Vivi, perfectly fine, looked up from her bunk in confusion. “Yes? Why would I be unwell?”
“Well Usopp said that you were…” Nami rolled her eyes. “Usopp! I know you were right behind me!” She turned but saw no one. Frowning, she went to open the door only to be meet with resistance. “Usopp! Usopp open this door!”
On the other side, the door was successfully barricaded. “Sorry Nami!” Usopp shouted on the other side. “If it helps, this was entirely Sanji’s idea!”
Vivi got up from her bunk. “What’s…going on?”
Nami rolled her eyes. “Apparently, Sanji and Usopp decided to lock us in our room.”
Vivi looked confused. “And why would they decide to do that?”
“It’s nothing.” Nami said a little too quickly. Her annoyance rapidly replaced by nervousness at being so close to Vivi. She felt her face flush and her knees begin to buckle.
Vivi stepped closer and Nami tried to focus. “You’ve been avoiding me all day, Nami. Was it something I said?”
“Well, you’ve been…avoiding…me, too.” Suddenly, her knees gave way and she stumbled forward, only for Vivi to catch her in a dipping pose.
This, needless to say, did not help matters.
“Nami! Are you alright?”
“I’m…it’s stupid.” Too close! The perfume Vivi wore was practically intoxicating Nami right now.
“Nami, your health is important to this crew. To me.” Vivi emphasized. She gently led Nami to her bunk, resting the navigator’s head on her lap. “Please tell me what’s wrong?”
“It’s…” Nami groaned in frustration. “Apparently I have Love Sickness.”
Vivi tilted her head. “Love Sickness?”
Nami sighed. Well, if there is only one cure… “Chopper told me a few days ago. I didn’t believe him at first but ever since then I’ve felt my skin flush and knees weak whenever you’re near or whenever I think how beautiful you are but the cure apparently is to pursue it and I couldn’t put that burden on you because you’re a Princess and I’m just a lowly thief and…and…” Nami slowly stopped as she noticed Vivi with a look that wasn’t concern or worry or disgust.
It was a smile.
“Now Nami, it is true that Love Sickness is a real disease with a surprisingly high lethality.” Nami was quiet as Vivi leaned in. “It is also true that Love Sickness has only been seen in a specific island in the Grand Line. And even then, only among the Empresses of that island.”
Nami stilled. “…what? But…but that would mean…” Her skin flushed once more, but this time Nami knew it was out of sheer embarrassment. “…kill me now. Actually, no, I’m going to kill Usopp and Sanji.”
Vivi had a dangerous (and hot) smirk on her face.. “Now, let’s not be hasty. While it is very unlikely, there is a slight possibly that you might be a descendant. As such, pursuing the cure would be a wise and responsible action.”
Nami swallowed. “But…but you’re a princess.”
“A princess is but a woman. And besides, I felt something ever since seeing you in Laboon.”
Now it was Nami who smirked. “So you were jealous of my looks.”
Vivi took her thumb and brushed it against Nami’s lower lip. “Yes, jealous it wouldn’t be mine.”
Nami lifted herself until their foreheads were practically touching. “Well…I should be a good patient and follow my doctor’s orders…” Vivi leaned in and Nami closed her eyes…
-BAM-
Two pairs of eyes opened in alarm and glanced towards the door.
“Is there any reason why my weights were placed in front of your…” Zoro paused as he saw two very annoyed women staring at him. Without another word, he turned around and closed the door.
Nami and Vivi stared at the door, back to each other, and laughed. “Now then, Nami,” Vivi said, “where were we-mmph!?”
Nami rushed in before some other idiot could interrupt. Nami felt every tension leave her body as their lips touched. She felt her anxiety and fear of being herself slowly uncoil around her heart. Vivi eyes widened slightly at the initiative but they quickly closed in as she took it in and responded. Every stress, every worry, slowly melting into simple happiness every time their lips touched. For one moment Vivi was simply a woman in love.
Eventually, reluctantly, the two pulled apart. Vivi helped Nami up, so that the two of them were sitting on the edge of the bunk. “I…wow.” Nami said, still breathing hard.
“Yeah…” Vivi leaned back. “So, are you feeling better?”
“In more ways than one.” Nami leaned towards Vivi, letting her head rest on her shoulder. “Thank you Vivi. For caring so much.”
“For you? I always will.” The two stayed there for a long while. Just basking in each other’s presence, letting each of them enjoy the other in this one moment in time.